Raising a child is often described as one of life’s most rewarding experiences. At the same time, it is also a long-term financial commitment that requires careful planning. From medical expenses during pregnancy to education, healthcare and extracurricular activities, the costs can add up over the years. A recent viral video has brought this topic into the spotlight after a content creator attempted to estimate how much parents in India might spend on raising a child until the age of 18.
His calculation, which put the figure at around Rs 1.39 crore, has triggered a lively discussion across social media. While some people agreed that parenting has become increasingly expensive, many others argued that the emotional value of having a child can never be measured in financial terms.
Content Creator Calculates The Cost Of Raising A Child
The discussion began after content creator Vikhyat Singh shared an Instagram video explaining how he calculated the expenses involved in raising a child in India. According to Singh, he does not plan to have children and decided to estimate the financial commitment parents typically face from pregnancy until a child turns 18 years old.
He started with pregnancy-related expenses, estimating that expectant parents could spend nearly Rs 3 lakh on doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, medicines, maternity clothing and delivery at a private hospital. He then moved on to the first two years of a child’s life, which he estimated would cost around Rs 6 lakh. This amount included diapers, baby food, vaccinations and other essential items required during infancy.
Education And Daily Expenses Form The Biggest Share
As the child grows older, Singh believes the expenses increase significantly. He estimated that food alone between the ages of two and 18 could cost approximately Rs 15 lakh.
Education, according to his calculation, would be the single largest expense. He estimated parents could spend nearly Rs 33 lakh on schooling, including playschool fees, annual tuition, books, uniforms and school trips. Apart from education, he also included several other everyday expenses that families commonly encounter while raising children. His breakdown included:
- Rs 9 lakh for tuition classes.
- Rs 5.4 lakh for healthcare.
- Rs 9 lakh for entertainment.
- Rs 7.2 lakh for clothing.
- Rs 4 lakh for gadgets.
- Rs 8 lakh for sports and extracurricular activities.
- Rs 8 lakh for transportation.
- Rs 32.4 lakh for renting a larger home to accommodate a growing family.
After combining all these estimated costs, Singh concluded that parents could spend nearly Rs 1.39 crore by the time their child reaches adulthood.
He Says The Actual Cost Could Be Even Higher
According to Singh, his estimate was still conservative. He pointed out that his calculation did not include several major financial factors, such as college education, inflation over the years or the investment returns parents might have earned if the money had been invested elsewhere.
Taking those aspects into account, he argued that the actual cost could easily exceed Rs 2 crore. Adding a touch of humour to the discussion, Singh compared the amount to the on-road price of a BMW M4 Competition, suggesting that raising a child could cost as much as owning a luxury performance car. The comparison quickly caught the attention of viewers and helped the video gain significant traction online.
Social Media Divided Over The Financial Calculation
As expected, Singh’s video sparked a wide range of reactions. While some viewers agreed that parenting has become considerably more expensive over the years, many others felt that reducing the experience of raising a child to numbers alone missed the bigger picture.
One user wrote, “We’re all here to work, earn, and build a life. Money will keep coming and going, and we’ll keep working for it throughout our lives. But the joy, love, and purpose a child brings into your life are simply unmatched.” Another person shared a similar opinion, commenting, “Nothing gives you more joy than having a baby.”
A parent also joined the conversation and reflected on personal experience. “I have a child, and I would say no amount of money can replace the happiness of having her in my life.” Many users echoed similar sentiments, saying that while financial planning is important, parenthood offers emotional rewards that cannot be quantified.
The Debate Goes Beyond Money
The viral discussion has highlighted an important reality for modern families. The cost of raising children has increased over time due to rising education fees, healthcare expenses, housing costs and lifestyle changes. As a result, many couples today consider financial stability before planning a family.
At the same time, countless parents believe that the value of raising a child extends far beyond economic calculations. For them, milestones such as a child’s first steps, first words, school achievements and shared family memories outweigh the financial sacrifices involved. The discussion also reflects changing attitudes among younger generations, with many people openly evaluating the financial implications of parenthood alongside personal aspirations and career goals.
Conclusion
Vikhyat Singh’s estimate of spending Rs 1.39 crore to raise a child has sparked a conversation that resonates with many families. Whether or not one agrees with his calculations, the video has encouraged people to think about the financial responsibilities that come with parenthood.
However, the overwhelming response from many parents suggests that while raising a child undoubtedly requires significant financial commitment, the emotional fulfilment, love and lifelong memories it brings are things that cannot be measured by money alone. The debate serves as a reminder that parenthood is both a financial journey and an emotional one, with every family placing different value on each aspect.
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